Lose the Baby Weight

Lose the Baby Weight

Although the recommended weight gain for a normal pregnancy is between 25 and 35 pounds, many women end up gaining more than this amount during their pregnancies thanks to changing hormone levels that give them a myriad of food cravings.

Other women deal with complications that lead to excessive weight gain or start out their pregnancies overweight, giving them more weight to lose after giving birth. This extra does not have to be something that you live with for the rest of your life.

FEEL BETTER THAN EVER.

"Do not feel like you have to regain your pre-pregnancy shape as quickly as celebrities."

Skip the Crash Diets

Although it can be tempting to go on a crash diet and lose your extra twenty or more pounds in only a month, these diets often sound a lot better than they really are. Many do not work as they say they will, and those that do help you lose weight quickly often accomplish this through very poor nutrition and by practically starving you. In fact, crash diets may actually cause you to regain weight more easily in the future. Do not feel that you have to regain your pre-pregnancy shape as quickly as celebrities seem to rebound.

Opt for Nutrient Dense Foods

Next, it is incredibly important that you put the right foods into your body to nourish it and to help it repair itself after going through pregnancy and childbirth. Although you may be tempted to eat the easiest foods that you can get your hands on, such as pastries and chips, what your body really needs right now is protein for repairing itself.

In addition, you need plenty of iron, folate, and vitamin C, which you can ind in many fruits and vegetables as well as in eggs and certain meat sources. Finally, by putting plenty of fiber in your stomach, you will prevent uncontrollable hunger later in the day. Some of the foods highest in dietary fiber are once again fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains.

If you do not have the time or energy yourself to cook wholesome meals, see if you have friends or family members who could cook several healthy freezer meals for you. You may also want to try a meal-delivery service. Thankfully, eating healthy does not have to mean gourmet meals and hours of preparation time. Instead, it can mean just 15 to 20 minutes of preparation the night before so that you can eat healthy when you are busy the next day.

Breastfeed if Possible

Not only is breastfeeding typically recommended for the health of your baby, but also it presents you with a uni ue option for losing weight. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, breastfeeding re uires you to eat up to 500 extra calories per day.

Move Whenever Possible

While very vigorous aerobic exercises and certain types of stretching or strength-training exercises are not recommended for the irst six weeks after a vaginal delivery and even longer than that after a C-section, some light movement is appropriate once you return home from the hospital. One of the simplest activities is walking because you can take your baby with you. A light stroll will help you burn some extra calories and give you some fresh air. Also, consider adding short strength training sessions using light hand weights because muscle burns more calories than fat does.

Fit tips for Moms

Staying positive goes a long way!

Get Enough Sleep

Finally, remember that you are expertly caring for the full health of your body when you get enough sleep. This can be difficult to do in the first few months after birth when your baby needs you every few hours. However, try to take naps when your child naps. Your body needs enough sleep to keep your metabolism running smoothly. Plus, when you are wellrested, you are more apt to be able to keep your cravings under control.

"Losing the baby weight will not feel instantaneous."

The key to remember is that losing the baby weight will not feel instantaneous. In fact, it could take you a year or more to get back to the weight that is best for you. According to Melinda Johnson, MS, RD, who is a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, “ The number one thing new mothers have to have is a certain amount of patience with their body. It took nine months to get there. It should take at least that long to get back to their ighting weight.” Give yourself some grace during this time, and focus on moderation and kindness to your body."